The Ideal Woman and Polygamy in "The Spirit of the Chinese People"

Meribah

After reading this passage about the ideal Chinese woman and polygamy, I am left with many thoughts. The author attempts to explain the role of women and the existence of polygamy from a Chinese cultural perspective, but some of the views presented are difficult for me to agree with.

Firstly, the author claims that the ideal Chinese woman is essentially the same as the ancient Hebrew woman, both centered around the role of a housewife and emphasizing the selflessness of women. It is true that in traditional Chinese culture, women have been assigned many family responsibilities, as reflected in the "Three Obediences and Four Virtues." Women were expected to play the roles of good daughters, wives, and mothers in the family, contributing to family stability and social harmony. This concept has indeed shaped the image of Chinese women as gentle, virtuous, and family-oriented, and has played an important role in the continuation of the family and the stability of society. However, defining the ideal of women solely as housewives is too narrow-minded. In modern society, the self-worth and social roles of women have long transcended the boundaries of the family. They have shown great potential and value in various fields such as education, career, and social participation, and are pursuing personal development and self-actualization. Therefore, defining the ideal of women solely as housewives is an oversight of the rich and diverse life pursuits of modern women.

Secondly, the author's explanation of polygamy is shocking to me. He tries to rationalize polygamy, arguing that it is the selflessness of Chinese women that makes this system possible and not immoral in China. This view is extremely disrespectful to women. Polygamy fundamentally violates the principle of gender equality in marriage and severely infringes on the emotions and rights of women. Under such a system, women are placed in a passive and vulnerable position, with their feelings and dignity trampled upon and family relationships becoming complicated and chaotic. Even if, as the author says, women can be absolutely selfless, this cannot be the basis for the rational existence of polygamy. Marriage should be an equal, loyal, and monogamous relationship between two people, not a relationship of possession and domination by one party over another. Using women's selflessness as a support for polygamy is essentially using women's sacrifices as a tool for men to satisfy their own desires, and this concept is extremely wrong and harmful.

Furthermore, the author mentions that men's sacrifices in supporting the family and being loyal to the country seem to be an excuse for men's infidelity in marriage. Admittedly, men bear important responsibilities in the family and society, but this does not mean that they can ignore their loyalty and respect to their wives. Loyalty in marriage is a common responsibility and obligation of both husband and wife, not a one-sided sacrifice. A truly loving husband should respect his wife's feelings, uphold her dignity, and not bring other women into the family to hurt her feelings. This so-called "rational" and "non-harming wife" logic is actually a self-deceiving argument. True love should be monogamous and pure, not built on the harm to others.

Lastly, the author calls women's selflessness a kind of "religion" and men's loyalty another kind of "religion." In my view, this statement is absurd. Religion is a belief system that guides and regulates human spirit and morality. Calling women's selflessness and men's loyalty simply "religion" is a misunderstanding and misuse of religion. Women's selflessness and men's loyalty should be based on an equal, respectful, and loving relationship, not imposed as a religious duty. This view of gender roles and marital relationships is not only unable to truly explain and resolve marital issues but also further exacerbates gender inequality and contradictions.

In conclusion, although this passage reflects to some extent the influence of traditional Chinese culture on women's roles and marital concepts, many of the views presented have seriously conflicted with the values of modern society and women's self-perception. We cannot use traditional concepts to restrict the development of modern women, nor can we use erroneous logic to rationalize unequal marital systems. In modern society, we should advocate values of gender equality, marital loyalty, and respect for individual rights, allowing women to realize their own value in both family and society and pursue their ideals, instead of being confined to traditional roles and concepts.